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Lamprey

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Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian

Equipment

  • Equipment Needed
  • Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
  • Sharp knife
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients
  

  • Ingredients:
  • 1 lamprey cleaned and gutted (approx. 1.5 kg)
  • 2 cups red wine ideally Vinho Verde or another dry red wine
  • 1 onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 cups beef or fish stock
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 slices of toasted bread for serving

Instructions
 

  • Instructions:
  • Prepare the lamprey: Begin by cleaning the lamprey. Cut off the head and carefully remove the intestines, keeping the blood if possible (this is key for the sauce). Rinse the fish thoroughly.
  • Sear the lamprey: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the lamprey on all sides until golden brown (about 10 minutes). Remove and set aside.
  • Prepare the sauce: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste, bay leaf, thyme, and season with salt and pepper.
  • Deglaze and simmer: Pour in the red wine, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it reduce slightly for 5 minutes, then add the stock and bring to a simmer.
  • Cook the lamprey: Return the lamprey to the pot, ensuring it's submerged in the sauce. Cover and cook on low for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the fish is tender and cooked through.
  • Serve: Place the lamprey on a plate, spoon some of the rich sauce over it, and serve with slices of toasted bread to soak up the delicious juices.
  • Variations & Tips:
  • Vegan version: Use mushrooms (such as portobello or shiitake) as a substitute for the lamprey. While it won't replicate the texture, it will still provide a rich, umami-filled base for the dish.
  • Spicier: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for some heat.
  • Stock choice: If you're unable to find fish stock, chicken stock works well as an alternative.